Mourners attending the funeral of 45-year-old Dublin mother of three Jean Gilbert yesterday heard how the sudden death of a "true sister" was a tragic loss to all who knew her.
In a joint address to her funeral ceremony at a packed Mount Jerome crematorium in Dublin, her brother Robert and sister Vivian also recalled how on childhood family holidays, she would invariably win her father's "holiday prize" for being the best behaved.
"Jean could turn her hand to anything, from pizzas to plumbing, dancing to DIY," Mr Gilbert said.
"Jean's sudden death is a tragic loss to us all, and especially to her three wonderful children, Emily, Alex and Harvey.
"We will never ever forget you."
Both also thanked the emergency services, the medical team at Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown and An Garda Síochána for their assistance.
Ms Gilbert, who worked as a food scientist, died after she was stabbed in her home at Laverna Dale, Castleknock, on the morning of August 28th.
Although she was still alive when emergency services arrived at the scene, her condition deteriorated throughout the afternoon and she died later that day in hospital.
Her husband, David Bourke (48), has since appeared in court charged with her murder. He was arrested at the house after gardaí responded to a 999 call from Mr Bourke on the morning of the killing.
Yesterday's Buddhist ceremony was attended by Ms Gilbert's father Bobbie and mother Amy and three children Emily (10), Alex (7) and Harvey (3).
Mr Bourke is not believed to have been present at the ceremony.
The ceremony also heard how Ms Gilbert's father, Bobbie, had described her as "all things bright and beautiful".
Another friend who knew her since she started practising Buddhism 23 years ago described a woman who "wasn't given to making rash decisions".
But once she had made a decision, she was "prepared to hold her ground, even if it cost her".
"She had incredible courage, she was possibly the most courageous woman I've ever known," she said.
"She was prepared to stand alone and she did even in the most trying of circumstances. There were those who made the mistake of undervaluing her and not affording her the respect she deserved .But the fact is she was a great woman, and she led a great life."
A memorial service for Ms Gilbert will take place on Saturday, September 29th at Rathfarnham Parish Church at a time to be confirmed.